A PARENT has spoken of his ‘disgust’ after his child was among a number of pupils left ‘stranded’ when their school bus was declared oversubscribed and unable to take them home.

This occurred three days in a row during the first week back of term last week.

Chris Johnson, from Orford, issued complaints to both Cardinal Newman High and Warrington’s Own Buses following the incidents.

It is understood the issue arose when another company, Hampton's Coaches, withdrew its service at late notice.

The school was served by Warrington's Own Buses and Hampton's but WOB has now been left to pick up the entire run.

The council says it is now working hard to find to meet the gap in the service which has been left.

Mr Johnson claims he has been left out of pocket by more than £100 after having to make arrangements for taxis to pick his daughter up, a year eight pupil at the school – despite having paid for her annual school bus pass.

“This is the third day my child has not been able to get on the 286 bus from Newman High School to Orford areas,” the parent exclaimed last week.

“We have paid for a bus pass which up to now has been a waste of money.

“I had come out of work the three times for a total of three hours which has cost my family £36 in wages. In current financial circumstances this is disgusting.”

The school bus service is ran by Warrington's Own BusesThe school bus service is ran by Warrington's Own Buses (Image: NQ) Chris revealed that his child was not the only one to be left with no way of getting home last week, adding that large groups of students were also ‘stranded’ after the bus company failed to provide enough transport to get all the pupil’s home.

“It has cost me £10 each day in a taxi, so a further £30 out of pocket and including the £48 for the month bus pass it's a total of £114 pound my family are down,” the 37-year-old added.

“Every day there are a large number of children being left behind when the parents have paid to get them home safely.

“Have the school let the students down by not giving the correct information over or have the greedy bus company accepted money for a service they cannot provide?”

 Providing an explanation for the issues facing students at Cardinal Newman who rely on the bus service home, a joint response from the school, Warrington Borough Council and Warrington’s Own Buses explained how the current bus service has become ‘oversubscribed’.

A spokesperson said: “Following the withdrawal of the 282-school bus service, operated by another bus company, the 286 school bus has become oversubscribed. 

“Warrington Own Buses, the council and the school have been working together to find a solution.

“Students who live furthest away have been issued with priority passes and we have provided details of alternative schedules and best value fares to parents and carers.”

They added that all parties are ‘continuing to work to address parental concerns’ and expressed sympathy for ‘the challenges this presents for our families’.